Congratulations TAHS Cross Country Team on a fantastic season

Babb, Campbell lead Titans at State A Meet

The Tea Area High School cross country team concluded their 2023 season by competing at the Class A State Cross Country Meet this past Saturday, Oct. 21 at Yankton Trails Park in Sioux Falls. The State meet featured the top runners from all classes and the Titans more than held their own, with all eight running great races to close the year out. Over 250 athletes from nearly all Class A schools competed in the Class A portion of the meet.

The Varsity boys were the first to compete. With the Titans earning a team qualification this season, six Titans were in the field of 125. Sophomore Jack Campbell used a great start to position himself in the front packs and turned in a solid effort throughout to earn 34th place in a time of 17:19.4. Freshman Reid Hammerquist improved upon his 69th place finish at the 2022 State Meet by claiming 39th place in 2023 in a time of 17:25.53. Senior Holden Jelen had a great race, grabbing 70th place in a time of 18:11.91. Freshman Jonah Klemisch also ran well, earning 77th in his first State Meet appearance, in a time of 18:19.76. Freshman Tate VanLaecken also competed in his first State Meet, finishing in 105th place in a time of 19:29.38. Senior Alex Kayser finished his career with his first State Meet appearance, claiming 110th place in a time of 19:46.52. The Titan boys earned 11th place in the team competition.

The Varsity girls race was the final of the day and featured two Titans. Sophomore Jaycie Babb got out strong and positioned herself in the lead group. Babb finished strong to claim 19th place in a time of 19:30.67, marking her fastest State time yet. This is Babb’s third State medal finish which marks a school record. Seventh grader Jayna VanLaecken also started strong and turned in a great effort to earn 50th place in a time of 20:32.55.

The End of Season Celebration for the Titan cross country team will be held on Friday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school commons.